Dr. Tara Johnson

Associate Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Tara Johnson. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Dr. Tara Star Johnson is the Associate Dean for Learning and an Associate Professor in English Education at Purdue University. With a Ph.D. in Language Education from the University of Georgia, her academic trajectory showcases a commitment to exploring the intersections of social justice education and English teaching practices. Her early career research focused on the sexual dynamics within classrooms, resulting in a book and numerous journal articles. Dr. Johnson has critically examined the experiences of pre-service English teachers in navigating issues of embodiment, as well as the implications of teacher-student relationships and racial dynamics in educational contexts. Since 2023, she has served in an administrative role, striving to support K-12 educators while taking a scholarly turn towards understanding the impact of educational policies and high-stakes assessments on teaching and learning in Indiana. Her scholarship and teaching are deeply informed by her concerns for contemporary education and the challenges faced by teachers and administrators alike.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Dean Learning

2023-01-01 — Present

Purdue University • West Lafayette, IN

Overseeing learning initiatives and faculty development within the College of Education.

Associate Professor English Education

2010-01-01 — 2023-01-01

Purdue University • West Lafayette, IN

Teaching and conducting research in English Education.

Assistant Professor English Education

2006-01-01 — 2010-01-01

Purdue University • West Lafayette, IN

Engaged in teaching and research activities related to English Education.

Temporary Full-Time Assistant Professor

2005-01-01 — 2006-01-01

Georgia Southern University • Statesboro, GA

Teaching English and Education courses.

Research Assistant

2000-01-01 — 2005-01-01

University of Georgia • Athens, GA

Conducted research in Language Education.

Teaching Assistant

1994-01-01 — 2000-01-01

University of Georgia • Athens, GA

Assisted in teaching courses in Language and Literacy Education.

English & Science Teacher, 9th-12th grades

1990-01-01 — 1993-01-01

Newaygo High School • Newaygo, MI

Taught English and Science subjects to high school students.

Writing Tutor

1990-01-01 — 1993-01-01

Grand Valley State University • Allendale, MI

Provided tutoring support in writing for university students.

Requirements for Purdue University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:135
Overall
Required:135
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in CS or related field Foundational concepts of computer science Data structures Computer architecture Operating systems Mathematics through differential equations Linear and matrix algebra
Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Resume
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CS Supplementary Form
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required.